How to Heat Your Tent

by Henry Francis

You can keep your tent warm by setting it up properly.

Getting away from it all and camping can be one of the most relaxing and enjoyable ways of spending a weekend. If you're traveling during one of the cooler months, it is possible to maintain a warm and cozy tent atmosphere. There are several ways to heat your tent; a catalytic heater can be your best friend when camping out in the cold.

1.

Lay out foam or inflatable mats along the floor of your tent so all of the ground is covered with no gaps. This layer provides excellent insulation for the inside of your tent, keeping your body away from the cold ground. Fasten the foam or inflatable mats so they cannot shift around or make any squeaky noises.

2.

Prevent moisture build-up by regularly allowing fresh air into your tent. More advanced tents are designed to be "breathable," meaning you do not need to manage the internal moisture, while older tents will not have this capability. If your tent is older, keep flaps open slightly so that condensation and moisture do not form.

3.

Set up a catalytic heater in your tent. Place it on a flame-retardant surface. Extensively check the heater's tubing before switching on the propane supply. If the campsite supplies electrical power to tent camping spaces, consider using a space heater instead, which eliminates the risk of using propane.

Run the catalytic heater up to an hour prior to going to sleep so that it heats the tent. Make sure all flaps are open during this process, allowing any potentially harmful gases to escape. Switch off the heater just before you go to sleep.

Items you will need

Catalytic heater

References

About the Author

I have been involved in coaching and administration of youth soccer with the Herts FA for several years. I have many years experience with the technical side and equipment of soccer, cricket, rugby, snooker and poker. I studied the health and fitness and dietary side of competitive sport while at University. Currently, I am not ready for on-camera opportunities, but this could change with access to training and equipment.